Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Q: I am an Afghan Vet who has been diagnosed with minor PTSD by the VA. Should I ever have to go before a CPL board, should I bring this up as a 'mental illness'?

A: To start, you should never intentionally hide anything that could be construed as omitting a "material fact," while under oath at gun board hearing.

Personally, I am not a mental health professional, so I can't determine whether your condition is a disqualifying mental illness.

Secondly, you have the right to discuss with your respective gun board any issue that relates to your mental fitness for a CPL behind closed doors.

Finally, if you are required to appear before a gun board, especially if your condition is a potential issue, it is my highest recommendation that you exercise your right to be represented by a capable and skilled attorney in firearms law. Presumably, your attorney will have access to a qualified mental health professional to testify on your behalf, if needed. If you don't know any good lawyers, I can endorse one for you.Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.

About The AuthorRick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

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About Me

Rick Ector is a firearms safety and a personal protection expert. His company, "Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit," specializes in providing Concealed Pistol License Training Classes for law-abiding citizens who have a desire to become more involved in both their own personal protection and the safety of their families.

Rick is both an appointed NRA Training Counselor and an appointed NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. He is credentialed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) to teach the following: Firearms Instructor Training, Range Safety Officer Training, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection (CCW/CPL), Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, and Shotgun Shell Reloading. Moreover, Rick is both a Life Member and a Membership Recruiter for the NRA.

Rick is also very active in the gun rights movement. As such, he networks with other gun rights activists, attends gun rights conventions, organizes open-carry meet-ups, and speaks at Detroit-area block club functions. He is a member of the following organizations: Rick's Firearm Academy Alumni, Black Gun Owners, the Association of Urban Shooters, and makes contributions to the nationally syndicated show entitled, "The Urban Shooter Podcast."

By the way, if you have a desire to learn more about crime prevention, self-defense, responsible gun ownership, and how to get a state of Michigan Concealed Pistol License subscribe to my FREE Michigan CCW Class e-Newsletter now!

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Student Testimonials

"I recently attended Rick's class so that I could obtain my Michigan CPL. He is extremely professional, yet relaxed,
and kept the class interesting, exciting, and informative. He covered a lot of information regarding the laws, how to handle situations should they arise,
gun/ammunition types, gun selection, and most importantly safety. I would recommend this class to anyone from the the most seasoned of gun owners to the
novice who has never even held a gun before. Rick showed us proper shooting stances and techniques and the best ways to optimize accuracy. He also will stop
right away to answer any questions that may come up. For all of these reasons and more, Rick will be my first stop for all of my self defense needs. Thanks
Rick!!!"- Mr. Dave B., Clawson, Oakland County, Michigan

"If you are even thinking about carrying a concealed weapon for personal protection, Rick's class is the absolute
first step you need to take in preparing. You will learn everything you need to know to protect yourself -- not only with your concealed pistol, but also
from the authorities if you should ever have the unfortunate circumstance to use your weapon in self-defense. You will get the necessary legal information
to know how to respond to the police and what to say and what not to say to the 911 operator if you should have to make that call. Rick doesn't take shortcuts.
Rick and his associates take the necessary time to show you the proper way to clear and handle a firearm. Take the class, you will be glad you did! Thanks for
all you are doing! Regards,"- Mr. D. Schmidt, Clinton Twp., Macomb County, Michigan

"Hey Rick! I want to thank you for providing such a vital service to the community. Everyone who cares about their
safety and their freedom needs to be educated on how best to secure both, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to teach them than you. Your class was
very informative, and as the instructor you were very knowledgeable on every aspect of gun ownership and usage and very patient with the many questions I asked-
and had a ready answer for all of them! I would certainly - and have already- suggest anybody looking for a CPL go to you first."- Mr.
B. Tilley, Eastpointe, Macomb County, Michigan 48021

"Rick, Thanks for providing me this opportunity, it was very informative and I would definitely recommend your class to
others. Take care!"- Ms. M. Woods, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034

"As an attorney and just as a regular citizen of Michigan, I cannot say enough good things about Rick's Firearm Academy.
Rick Ector and his other instructors provided excellent training and instruction and managed to make a normally dry subject interesting and entertaining. They
were patient, knowledgeable, skilled, and talented in communicating important information about gun safety, personal protection, and security. I learned a lot
from Rick Ector and his staff. The info is extremely useful to my every day life, as I try to protect myself. I was so impressed with Rick and his staff that I
intend to take more courses from Rick's Firearm Academy. I am very lucky to have learned about Rick's Firearm Academy, which should be a must for all Michigan
residents. Rick Ector and his staff know their stuff and turned a day of training and instruction on rules - regarding firearm safety and concealed pistol
licenses - into an interesting experience that benefited me and my safety. I will take the valuable information they imparted to me into my everyday life as I
try to make myself more secure from crime and threats. Well, worth the money. In fact, it's a bargain."- Ms. D. Schlussel,
Attorney-At-Law, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034

"Hello Rick, I just wanted to inform you how insightful your CPL class was. Not only did you and Damian educate me
better on the usage of a firearm but you also helped me with being aware of my surroundings and how I am approached by strangers as well. I am in the sales and
marketing profession for an aluminum manufacturer. I am often in rural and industrial areas and I am much more comfortable after taking your class. I now have
better firearm knowledge, know the difference of taking cover, and have knowledge of when it is illegal to shoot when you have been victimized. I have
recommended your class to most of my friends who have an interest; some have handled firearms, but they will find that they too need to take your class. I
have every intention to stay in contact for additional training and updates. Thanks again. Regards,"- Mr. M. Jackson, Sales and
Marketing Executive, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206

"Hey! I just wanted to let u know that I really enjoyed your class and since then I've referred a few of my co-workers
to participate just this past month and they also enjoyed themselves and learned a whole about carrying a concealed weapon. Expect more of my coworkers to take
the class. On behalf of me and Wayne County Roads keep up the Great Work!!! :-))"- Ms. D. Montgomery, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
48235